Tom Brady and Bennett Stirtz

[MelroseHawkins]

Now that I have your attention. I was wondering ...... Is Bennett Stirtz to Ben McCollum like what Tom Brady was to Bill Belichick? Will there be a huge drop off after Bennett graduates? Bill Belichick was or is not the same it seems without Tom Brady so made me wonder if Bennett is Ben's trump card.

Luckily, Ben has shown very good success coaching prior to having Bennett and won Div II championships without him. But, at the Div 1 level, he's always had Bennett. Will he be able to coach up another PG to fill that void after Bennett to run that read and react offense? I think so and I think he's a good enough coach to adjust to his roster and make changes. It will be interesting to watch how he and Iowa transitions & morphs with roster changes and hopefully an uptick in recruiting.

Just some food for thought.

 

[Fryowa]

Now that I have your attention. I was wondering ...... Is Bennett Stirtz to Ben McCollum like what Tom Brady was to Bill Belichick? Will there be a huge drop off after Bennett graduates? Bill Belichick was or is not the same it seems without Tom Brady so made me wonder if Bennett is Ben's trump card.

Luckily, Ben has shown very good success coaching prior to having Bennett and won Div II championships without him. But, at the Div 1 level, he's always had Bennett. Will he be able to coach up another PG to fill that void after Bennett to run that read and react offense? I think so and I think he's a good enough coach to adjust to his roster and make changes. It will be interesting to watch how he and Iowa transitions & morphs with roster changes and hopefully an uptick in recruiting.

Just some food for thought.

I think it boils down pretty simply, TBH. If Iowa wants to make a splash this is the year to do it, period. We're gonna struggle next year.

The reason it's a simple thing to analyze is below. There's no one on this team currently who's going to come close to replacing that kind of production let alone the "non-stat" intangibles. The only way we maintain what's going on now is if BMC can find a wonder boy in the portal. Which may happen, but based off known quantities a this point I definitely see a regression. But that's football.

I mean, But that's basketball.

 

[MelroseHawkins]

bump

 

[NorthKCHawk]

I think BM has designed a bit of a junk offense to cater to his team, which is having a superstar PG and a bunch of complimentary players. I cannot believe that this is the offense he would run with a more balanced team. I think the guys that are returning will show better next season. Somewhat like the women after CC left. Right now, everyone is deferring to Stirtz as they should, but next season guys like Banks and Koch and others will have to step forward.

That said, I think we take a step back next year. I certainly don't want to doubt BM, but we have a first round draft pick at PG that is going to be hard to replace with pieces added here and there. I don't see BM reloading with another superstar. But hey, he finds overlooked talent. So, maybe he strikes gold again.

 

[Hawkfnntn]

Now that I have your attention. I was wondering ...... Is Bennett Stirtz to Ben McCollum like what Tom Brady was to Bill Belichick? Will there be a huge drop off after Bennett graduates? Bill Belichick was or is not the same it seems without Tom Brady so made me wonder if Bennett is Ben's trump card.

Luckily, Ben has shown very good success coaching prior to having Bennett and won Div II championships without him. But, at the Div 1 level, he's always had Bennett. Will he be able to coach up another PG to fill that void after Bennett to run that read and react offense? I think so and I think he's a good enough coach to adjust to his roster and make changes. It will be interesting to watch how he and Iowa transitions & morphs with roster changes and hopefully an uptick in recruiting.

Just some food for thought.

You had me at hello.... Replacing Stirtz will be priority 1. Be it recruiting or the portal they'll need a PG and I don't see one on this roster as it is now that can do it. Combs is more of a combo guard that is way to inconsistent. I don't see his upside being anywhere close to being good enough.

 

[SwirlinLingerie]

I'm all in on McCollum and his skills. He had a long history of success without Stirtz. And he identified Stirtz as a major talent when nobody else did.

Nobody wanted Tate Sage either, except Lindenwood and Missouri State. He averaged 13 points in high school in Oklahoma last year. A handful of months later and every Big Ten team would take him.

McCollum is a winner who finds winners. Most of those kids will be back and be tough as nails. He's not into rebuilding or being patient.

My prediction is he puts a team on the court that makes the NCAA tourney next year.

 

[SwirlinLingerie]

I think BM has designed a bit of a junk offense to cater to his team, which is having a superstar PG and a bunch of complimentary players. I cannot believe that this is the offense he would run with a more balanced team. I think the guys that are returning will show better next season. Somewhat like the women after CC left. Right now, everyone is deferring to Stirtz as they should, but next season guys like Banks and Koch and others will have to step forward.

That said, I think we take a step back next year. I certainly don't want to doubt BM, but we have a first round draft pick at PG that is going to be hard to replace with pieces added here and there. I don't see BM reloading with another superstar. But hey, he finds overlooked talent. So, maybe he strikes gold again.

Banks is a senior, too.

 

[haydensly]

I'm all in on McCollum and his skills. He had a long history of success without Stirtz. And he identified Stirtz as a major talent when nobody else did.

Nobody wanted Tate Sage either, except Lindenwood and Missouri State. He averaged 13 points in high school in Oklahoma last year. A handful of months later and every Big Ten team would take him.

McCollum is a winner who finds winners. Most of those kids will be back and be tough as nails. He's not into rebuilding or being patient.

My prediction is he puts a team on the court that makes the NCAA tourney next year.

This is pretty much where I am at too. There will most likely be a drop off and Stirtz will be missed, especially early on. But I have faith that Ben will figure out a way to be successful. I do think that likely includes getting a PG out of the portal. And if you are a PG looking to transfer, what better coach than BMC? Finally, he has shown himself to be not only a good judge of talent but a good recruiter as well.

 

[Grady]

This is pretty much where I am at too. There will most likely be a drop off and Stirtz will be missed, especially early on. But I have faith that Ben will figure out a way to be successful. I do think that likely includes getting a PG out of the portal. And if you are a PG looking to transfer, what better coach than BMC? Finally, he has shown himself to be not only a good judge of talent but a good recruiter as well.

Yep. In a recent interview McC said he absolutely will be looking for a top PG in the portal -- and feels he has a good story to tell. This year's offense is not necessarily a one-off -- as he tells it, his offenses always rely on above-average/elite PGs. Like Iowa's football team and QBs, he'd rather not have to rely on a 1-year PG from the portal, but feels he needs to do that for the '26-27 season; but after that he hopes to land an elite PG recruit in his '27 class that they are already 'in' on. He's got a plan.

 

[thedukeofearl]

Ben hasn't been idle on recruiting for next season...

2026 Recruiting Class

• Ethan Harris (Commited/Signed): The 6-foot-9, 200-pound wing from Camas, Wash., is currently the sole 2026 signee for Iowa. He is considered a four-star prospect, known for his energy, shooting, and ability to guard multiple positions.
• Key Targets & Priorities: The staff is actively looking for additional players to add to the 2026 class, particularly focusing on finding a point guard and a big man.
• Arafan Diane: Iowa has offered 7-foot-1 center Arafan Diane, a top-ranked prospect from Guinea, West Africa, who played at Iowa United Prep. Diane is going, of course, to Houston
• Vaughn Karvala: The Hawkeyes have offered 4-star, 6-foot-6 wing Vaughn Karvala (No. 78-ranked prospect in 2026). Karvala is going to Indiana

Ethan Harris looks very good, not Bennett, but shows a lot of promise
CBS Sports seems to approve of Ethan playing for the Hawks

https://www.cbssports.com/watch/general/video/what-does-four-star-forward-ethan-harris-bring-to-iowa-basketball

Ben seems to think Ethan will fit in quite well for the Hawks

Iowa Basketball: Ben McCollum Examines Why 2026 Signee Ethan Harris Is A 'Perfect Fit' For The Hawkeyes

Iowa has one signee currently in the 2026 class, and Hawkeyes' head coach Ben McCollum is very confident with what he can bring to the table for Iowa.

247sports.com

We are in good hands with Ben, for certain and he appears to have next season in mind

We might never see another player like Bennett at Iowa, he is certainly IMO one of the best players ever to
play for the Hawks

Ethan Harris Signs With Iowa Hoops

hawkeyesports.com

Ethan Harris
6-9, 200, G
Camas, Wash.
Camas High School

• Swept the 4A Greater St. Helens League Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year honors as a junior… All-Region Boys Basketball Player of the Year
• Averaged 18.8 points, 8.1 rebounds and three assists per game
• During a win over Portland’s Roosevelt High School, Harris had 25 points, seven blocks, six rebounds, five assists and five steals to join the 5x5 club
• Finished with 32 points (29 in the first half), 12 rebounds, nine steals, seven blocks and four assists in leading the Papermakers to a win over Skyview
• Played club ball for Select Basketball on the PRO16 (Puma) circuit, averaging 10.3 points, 7.1 rebounds, 2.1 blocks and 1.4 steals… shot 38 percent from 3-point range

 

[Gander Hawk]

Now that I have your attention. I was wondering ...... Is Bennett Stirtz to Ben McCollum like what Tom Brady was to Bill Belichick? Will there be a huge drop off after Bennett graduates? Bill Belichick was or is not the same it seems without Tom Brady so made me wonder if Bennett is Ben's trump card.

Luckily, Ben has shown very good success coaching prior to having Bennett and won Div II championships without him. But, at the Div 1 level, he's always had Bennett. Will he be able to coach up another PG to fill that void after Bennett to run that read and react offense? I think so and I think he's a good enough coach to adjust to his roster and make changes. It will be interesting to watch how he and Iowa transitions & morphs with roster changes and hopefully an uptick in recruiting.

Just some food for thought.

McCollum won 4 national titles, Stirtz wasn't on all those teams.

 

[NorthKCHawk]

I'm all in on McCollum and his skills. He had a long history of success without Stirtz. And he identified Stirtz as a major talent when nobody else did.

Nobody wanted Tate Sage either, except Lindenwood and Missouri State. He averaged 13 points in high school in Oklahoma last year. A handful of months later and every Big Ten team would take him.

McCollum is a winner who finds winners. Most of those kids will be back and be tough as nails. He's not into rebuilding or being patient.

My prediction is he puts a team on the court that makes the NCAA tourney next year.

Sage is a guy to buy stock in for sure. He reminds me of Aaron White, including his lack of interest out of high school. Could be a really good one before he leaves town.

 

[NorthKCHawk]

That Thompson kid that is RS ing was wanted by everyone. Purdue especially sold out to get him. On the one hand, you would think a guy like that should have been able to crack the line-up this year, but on the other hand he was competing with a lot guys who were upperclassman, older, and or guys already in BM's system. He should be competing for minutes next year.

In my view, we are going to be pretty stacked at the three wing spots. We need a 1 and a 5 in the portal, with both needing to contribute right away.

 

[thedukeofearl]

I'm all in on McCollum and his skills. He had a long history of success without Stirtz. And he identified Stirtz as a major talent when nobody else did.

Nobody wanted Tate Sage either, except Lindenwood and Missouri State. He averaged 13 points in high school in Oklahoma last year. A handful of months later and every Big Ten team would take him.

McCollum is a winner who finds winners. Most of those kids will be back and be tough as nails. He's not into rebuilding or being patient.

My prediction is he puts a team on the court that makes the NCAA tourney next year.

Ben isn't exactly starry eyed, he leaves the Stars to the elites and he has an extraordinary skill
in recognizing Talent that will fit into his schemes

Overlooked potential that doesn't dazzle the Tom Izzos and Mark Fews of the basketball world

All the players on the floor this year] definitely fit into Ben's schemes quite well

Really gonna miss Mister Bennett Stirtz

 

[SwirlinLingerie]

Manyawu, Folguieras and Koch are a pretty solid returning front court. Add in some Thompson.

I'd be ok with a starting 5 of Folgueiras, Koch, Howard, Sage and a transfer PG. Three of those guys will be in Year 2 of McCollum's system, and hopefully see a nice jump.

 

[Hawkfnntn]

Manyawu, Folguieras and Koch are a pretty solid returning front court. Add in some Thompson.

I'd be ok with a starting 5 of Folgueiras, Koch, Howard, Sage and a transfer PG. Three of those guys will be in Year 2 of McCollum's system, and hopefully see a nice jump.

Still a pretty small team without a real 5 man in the middle. They'll have a lot of the same issues this yrs team is having. They'll just not have a Bennett Stirtz anymore obviously. Sage's jump and how much will Thompson factor in will be huge. Hopefully Koch takes a large leap too.

What the team will really need is not just 1 more ball handler besides who replaces Stirtz but another. I'm not so sure about Combs really being that guy. So far he's kinda had to be

 

[NorthKCHawk]

When I first saw the title to this thread, I thought it was comparing their looks at this same age. Coming out of college, Brady looked like the "kid who mows your lawn" as BM stated about Stirz. Both guys are kind of dopey white kids who look like they are more liable to trip than do something athletic. Stirtz, however, is a real athlete. Sneaky quick, can jump, and can move laterally. Brady is none of those things, but his right arm was blessed by the hand of God.

 

[SwirlinLingerie]

Still a pretty small team without a real 5 man in the middle. They'll have a lot of the same issues this yrs team is having. They'll just not have a Bennett Stirtz anymore obviously. Sage's jump and how much will Thompson factor in will be huge. Hopefully Koch takes a large leap too.

What the team will really need is not just 1 more ball handler besides who replaces Stirtz but another. I'm not so sure about Combs really being that guy. So far he's kinda had to be

They definitely could use some more size, but I don't think McCollum will add size unless he is a really good basketball player. Basketball is kind of increasingly positionless anyway. Get long guys who can handle, shoot 3s and play D. Like throw five Keegan Murrays out there. Shouldn't be too hard, right? Mrs. Murray already cranked out two at once.

It'll be interesting to add Harris' size. He is a 6'9" guard. He apparently is still growing a bit, so we could have a 6'10" guard at some point.

I like the thought of pairing him and Sage together. Add a PG. Koch and Folgueiras in the front court. That's some length and shooting!

 

[Northside Hawk]

I'm all in on McCollum and his skills. He had a long history of success without Stirtz. And he identified Stirtz as a major talent when nobody else did.

Nobody wanted Tate Sage either, except Lindenwood and Missouri State. He averaged 13 points in high school in Oklahoma last year. A handful of months later and every Big Ten team would take him.

McCollum is a winner who finds winners. Most of those kids will be back and be tough as nails. He's not into rebuilding or being patient.

My prediction is he puts a team on the court that makes the NCAA tourney next year.

Ben's career path has Bo Ryan written all over it. Like Bo, Ben had huge success at a lower division school and several national titles. Like Bo, Ben had a brief stay at a mid major school. And Like Bo, Ben has moved on to a bigger school in the same state.

I think the man can flat out coach. He will find a way next year even without Stirtz and Banks. His is the very style of play that travels well in the postseason and other teams flat out hate to play against.

 

[Northside Hawk]

I think it boils down pretty simply, TBH. If Iowa wants to make a splash this is the year to do it, period. We're gonna struggle next year.

The reason it's a simple thing to analyze is below. There's no one on this team currently who's going to come close to replacing that kind of production let alone the "non-stat" intangibles. The only way we maintain what's going on now is if BMC can find a wonder boy in the portal. Which may happen, but based off known quantities a this point I definitely see a regression. But that's football.

I mean, But that's basketball.

View attachment 11972

I am absolutely Jonesing over that team field goal percentage. Well over 50% in this day and age? For a team that seldom gets easy fast break baskets? I doubt a Fran team got even close unless a Garza team did it (and with offensive efficiency being those team's strengths). And a TEAM assist to turnover ratio of better than 1.5-1? Sign me up for more, please. This team knows how to move the ball, take care of the ball, make the extra pass, and find the open man!